City Power has condemned another attack of its employees, at the Bellevue substation on Sunday evening, the 10 November 2024.
City Power, said a group of armed men (7) were tampering with critical infrastructure and copper cables, when two security officers, who were patrolling the substation, were overpowered by the assailants, tied up and forced to lie face down on the ground.
When the officers failed to respond during their midnight patrol and their communications went silent, the City Power Control Room Operator acted swiftly and dispatched a response team to the scene.
Upon arrival, the team found the suspects attempting to steal about 52 metres of a 3-core copper cable, left on-site by contractors.
The City Power team was able to fight off the attackers, resulting in the capture of two suspects, aged 38 and 50, while five others fled the scene.
Both arrested suspects were detained at Yeoville Police Station and are set to appear in the Johannesburg Magistrates Court on Tuesday, 12 November 2024, to face charges of tampering with essential infrastructure, robbery, and attempted murder. In addition, 33.5 metres of stolen copper cable was recovered and traced to Reuven salvage yard.
Tshifularo Mashava, City Power CEO, said “these attacks on our staff are utterly unacceptable. Our contractors and employees are working to ensure that communities receive the essential services they rely on. It is essential that we create a safe environment where dialogue, not violence, is the solution to any grievances.”
This latest incident is the second in just 2 weeks. On 28 October 2024, two City Power contractors, conducting an authorised meter audit at 260 Colette Drive in Alexandra, were unlawfully detained and held hostage by local tenants despite clearly identifying themselves with professional credentials. The contractors were locked inside the property, denied exit, and subjected to a harrowing ordeal simply for performing their duties.
Picture of cables: Supplied